motion to recommit

Advanced 🏛️ Government / Politics

Definition

A final procedural maneuver to send legislation back to committee, typically as a last-ditch effort by the minority to kill or amend a bill. It's democracy's 'wait, can we talk about this?' moment.

Example Usage

The minority party offered a motion to recommit with instructions to add border security provisions, forcing vulnerable members into a tough vote.

Origin

Parliamentary procedure dating to British Parliament, incorporated into U.S. House rules.

Fun Fact

Motions to recommit are often designed to fail but force politically uncomfortable votes that can be used in campaign ads—it's procedural trolling.

Source: House of Representatives procedural terminology

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